Information for Hunters with Disabilities and Permits

Crossbow Permit

Crossbows can be used in all archery seasons except for the late archery deer season in the Upper Peninsula unless the person has a crossbow permit.

A person with a disability may apply for a crossbow permit. A physician can automatically certify a hunter as eligible for a crossbow permit if the hunter has an amputation involving body extremities required for stable function to use conventional archery equipment, or has a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent disability to the lower extremities, leaving the applicant permanently non-ambulatory, or has a permanent wheelchair restriction.

If none of the above criteria apply, physicians, physical therapists or occupational therapists can certify hunters who fail a functional draw test that equals 35 pounds of resistance and involves holding it for four seconds, or a manual muscle test involving the grading of shoulder and elbow flexion and extension, or an impaired range-of-motion test involving the shoulder or elbow. In addition, a physician can recommend a crossbow permit for other temporary or permanent disabilities, such as neuromuscular conditions. For more information and an application, call 517-373-1204.

Modified Crossbow Permit

A person with a temporary or permanent disability who has the full use of only one arm may apply for a modified bow permit. This permit allows modifications to a compound bow, including the addition of an overdraw lock device allowing the bow to be held and shot with one arm. This modification may not convert a compound bow into a crossbow. For more information, go to http://www.pcba-inc.org.

Using Laser Sights

Legally blind hunters may use laser sighting devices to take game, subject to all other regulations, with a firearm or crossbow if all the following conditions are met.

The person is accompanied by a sighted person who is at least 18 years of age and possesses proof of a current or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety class;

The legally blind person possesses the appropriate hunting license and proof of impairment in the form of a Secretary of State ID card. No permit is necessary for this accommodation.

Hunters with other permanent disabilities may apply to the DNR Law Enforcement Division for a permit to use a laser sighting device with a firearm or crossbow to take game. Subject to all other regulations, a permittee may take game with use of a laser sighting device only if accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years of age who is licenses to hunt the same game (other than an apprentice license). For application information, please call 517-373-1230.